1865 $3 Restrike, JD-2, R.8, PR65 Cameo PCGS. CAC. . ...

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1865 Three Dollar Gold Restrike, PR65 Cameo
Rare JD-2 Restrike c. 1869 or 1870

1865 $3 Restrike, JD-2, R.8, PR65 Cameo PCGS. CAC.
Ex: Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection. Once mistakenly thought to be a pattern and formerly listed as Judd-440, this enigmatic Mint restrike has intrigued collectors since the 1870s. The only two known specimens were believed to be included with the fabled 1865 With Motto sets first sold in 1870. Only two examples of the rare JD-2 die marriage are confirmed, and they are clearly restrikes, utilizing an obverse die that matches a three dollar obverse first seen in 1869, with die lines at LIB of LIBERTY and distinctive die polish lines at Liberty's neck. Filled letters at E of UNITED, the first S in STATES, and at the tops of the A's and R confirm the obverse die.

The 1865 restrike JR-2 proofs cannot be confused with the "original" 1865 JR-1 proofs, since the date is far left and angles upward at the right. Original 1865 proofs employ an obverse from 1864. John Dannreuther's 2018 reference, United States Proof Coins Volume IV, Part One, thoroughly discusses the restrike issue, and the present coin in particular. He notes:

"The superb gem Restrike Proof in the Harry Bass Core Collection was described as a Restrike by Dr. J. Hewitt Judd. The Bass coin is from the Judd Collection that later became part of the fabulous gold pattern collection of John Wilkison, Sr. that was sold in 1973. William H. Woodin and F.C.C. Boyd previously owned this exact same rarity, which is the plate coin under Judd 440 in that pattern reference."

Dannreuther further notes the Woodin and Boyd connection to the Bass Core Collection coin is possibly uncertain, although he confirms each of those two individuals indeed owned an 1865 restrike proof. What is absolutely certain, though, is that Harry Bass had a special interest in this coin -- a pristine Gem proof, with frosted devices surrounded by watery-mirrored fields and exquisite honey-gold coloration. Bass described the strike as sharp, with "ghosting around the head" and the date "markedly canted up to right." The 186 is weaker than 5, with rough surfaces on the numerals 186. Heritage sold the other 1865 three dollar restrike proof (the former Farouk example) in 1999, an event soon to be eclipsed when this exceptional Harry Bass Core Collection coin is called.

Roster of 1865 Restrike Proof Three Dollar Gold Pieces (JD-2)
1. PR65 Cameo PCGS. CAC. William H. Woodin; F.C.C. Boyd; Dr. Hewitt Judd; Dr. John Wilkison, Sr.; Tennessee Coin Exchange as brokers for Dr. Wilkison; Julian Leidman and Michael Brownlee as part of the purchase of the gold patterns of Dr. Wilkison; sold as a collection to Paramount Coin Company; privately sold on August 3, 1979; Harry W. Bass, Jr.; Harry Bass Core Collection (HBCC-4018). The present coin.
2. Proof. King Farouk; Farouk:324; ANA National Money Sale (Heritage, 3/11-12/1999), lot 5701, $14,950; Kagin's.

Additional Appearance
PCGS PR63 Deep Cameo. Likely the Farouk-Heritage-Kagin's coin, as only two examples are believed to exist.
From The Harry W. Bass, Jr. Core Collection, Part II.

Coin Index Numbers: (Variety PCGS# 45292, Base PCGS# 88028, Greysheet# 198923)

Weight: 5.02 grams

Metal: 90% Gold, 10% Copper

View Certification Details from PCGS